A SENIOR councillor has raised concerns about the “benefits culture” in Southend, after a new study revealed the town has a high number of children living in poverty.

The Audit Commission’s One-place website surveyed councils across England on issues, such as crime, poverty and health.

It found the number of children living in poverty in Southend was higher than the national average.

It also revealed youngsters with special educational needs, between the ages of 11 and 16, were not achieving as well as they should be.

But the report praised Southend Council in a number of areas, including the reduction of crime and improving quality of life for residents.

In a ratings system of one to four, Southend scored a three, overall, which meant it was performing “well”.

But Roger Hadley, councillor responsible for children’s services, pledged that tackling child poverty would be one of the council’s two top priorities next year.

He said: “In some of the most deprived areas of the town, we have to deal with a benefits culture, where there are generations of the same family who have never worked and have been living on benefits. We have to try and find a way to get them away from this, which is still a difficult task.

“We are working with both the special and mainstream schools in the borough to make sure we provide the best possible service for those with learning difficulties and improve services wherever possible.

“The children’s centres which we have are a driving force in helping families to overcome the problems they have.”

Ian David-son, spokesman for Oneplace, praised the work which had been done to improve the quality of life for people in Southend and reduction in crime in the borough.

He said: “The number of children living in poverty is high and children with special educational needs achieve poorly between the ages of 11 and 16.

“The council and its partners are working together to improve the health of people in Southend.”